West Ham have highlighted a number of areas in David Moyes’ squad which they hope to strengthen ahead of the new season.
With just over two months to go until West Ham get their 2021/22 Premier League campaign underway with a trip to Newcastle United, the Hammers will be aiming to add strength and depth to their ranks.
So far West Ham have added just two teenagers to their academy ranks, but David Moyes has already admitted he is hoping to add to his current squad.
“If I have this exact team and group of players I would think I will have a good chance because we have got a lot of hungry, energetic players,” Moyes said after the final match of the season.
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“I am just hoping that I can add similar, and by that, I mean similar characters. Similar people who have performed at an incredible level this season.
“You need good players to be successful and I think the reason we have been successful this year is because we have brought in good players and it has allowed other good players to flourish alongside them.”
Club captain Mark Noble is on the same page as his boss, saying that in order to cope with the rigours of European football the club will need to “bring in more right types of players to keep improving the squad.”
With recruits sure to be added, football.london has taken a look at what shirt numbers are currently vacant and what shirt numbers might become free following departures.
Current Vacancies
Number 4
Fabien Balbuena will depart West Ham at the end of his contract on June 30 following three seasons at the Hammers. With West Ham in the market for a centre-back having the number 4 available could be an enticing prospect for any new recruit.
Number 11
Jesse Lingard and Robert Snodgrass donned the number 11 shirt for the 2020/21 season, following the end of Lingard’s loan spell the number is once again available.
West Ham are keen to see Lingard return to the club and the number 11 shirt will be there waiting for him if he wants it.
Number 12
The last Hammer to wear the number 12 was Jordan Hugill in the 2017/18 season. Since the striker’s departure, the number has remained vacant and is available for any incoming signings who wish to pull it on.
Number 13
Vacant since Adrian departed West Ham for Liverpool the number 13 could be lucky for any incoming goalkeeper should Moyes wish to add competition to the quartet of Lukasz Fabianski, Darren Randolph, Nathan Trott and David Martin.
Number 17
Last worn by Jarrod Bowen before the wide man switched to his current number 20.
Number 19
Vacant since the departure of Jack Wilshere in 2020 the number 19 remains available for any incoming signings.
Number 22
Sebastien Haller’s number until January of this year. A striker is desperately needed to replace Haller and his old number is available should the new man wish to be constantly compared to the club-record signing.
Number 27
Albian Ajeti was the last player to turn out for West Ham in the number 27 shirt, with the striker making 12 appearances in all competitions without hitting the back of the net.
Number 29
Another unused jersey in recent times with Toni Martinez the last to wear the number 29 for the Hammers in the 2017-18 campaign.
Potential Vacancies
Number 2
Winston Reid was the last man to wear the number 2 jersey for the Hammers. The New Zealander has one year remaining on his West Ham contract but is likely to move on following loan spells with Brentford and Sporting Kansas City.
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Number 7
Andriy Yarmolenko is currently enjoying himself on the international stage with Ukraine at Euro 2020, but the 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland and Dynamo Kyiv.
Number 8
Felipe Anderson was the last man to don the number 8 jersey at West Ham. However, having spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Porto the Brazilians future is up in the air and his shirt number could well be available for a new signing this summer.